Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
Escape to a world of clear night skies, high altitude lagoons and moon-like valleys, where a sense of both adventure and pure relaxation lingers in the air.
Tierra Atacama is a boutique hotel on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama, that provides guest experiences which combine outdoor adventure activities with indoor comforts, hospitality and excellent service.
Tierra Atacama’s architecture, interior design and gardens were designed by some of Chile’s leading creative talent. The hotel is decorated using furniture and accessories that have been handmade with local materials to create a place that allows guests to relax, spoil themselves and enjoy the good life in this magical part the earth.
The Hotel’s ambience is casual and friendly allowing guests to be comfortable in the common areas as they would be in their own homes. Enjoy one of the welcoming private corners of the Hotel, such as a seat by one of the terrace fire pits, a lounge next to the pool or on one of the shady outdoor decks. When night falls, take the opportunity to view the brilliant stars while basking in the peace and wonder of the Atacama Desert.
Altiplanic Lagoons
Duration: 6 to 8 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
At an altitude of approximately 4000 metres, visit the remote lagoons of Aguas Calientes and the surprising salt flats of Tuyajto, with it’s amazing colours and contrasts. During this full day excursion, we will also show you the area of Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks), a landscape with formations that seem to come from another world. Depending on the time of year, the ground salt may be dry and cracked, and we may spot foxes and flamingoes. The colours of the Altiplano stand out against the fierce blue skies and make for a spectacular panorama. Weather permitting, we will serve lunch at Tuyajto so you can fully enjoy the silence and spirituality of this remote place. If conditions are not clement, we will go to a simple restaurant in the small town of Socaire to learn more about the local culture and small business.
Salar De Tara
Duration: 6 – 8 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
Heading east from the Hotel, we travel towards the Argentinian border and the Salar de Tara. As the terrain rises, enjoy marvellous views of the Licancabur Volcano and spot bird life, salt lakes and areas of marsh land. At a height of approximately 4200 meters, in the middle of an amazing plateau, igneous rock plugs form the “monks” of Tara. Continue to Tara itself to enjoy lunch.
The Tatio Geysers
Duration: 7 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy (with acclimatisation)
The Tatio Geysers are located at an altitude of 4300m. The geothermal field has close links to the volcanic activity in the zone and consists of huge steam columns that reach heights of 12m. At the break of dawn, breakfast is served. On the way back to the village, there is the opportunity to spot families of vicuñas, and if we are lucky, foxes, vizcachas and Andean ostrich. Next, we will stop in the hamlet of Machuca, before returning to the hotel by vehicle. The average temperature on arrival at El Tatio is -8ºC and it is very important to take the appropriate clothing (gloves, hat, down jacket etc.).
Machuca
Duration: 5 to 6 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
To the north of San Pedro, reached by van via a steep road, is the tiny village of Machuca – which lies at an altitude of 4,000 metres. The village of Machuca is a privileged site surrounded by nature and animals, such as birds and llamas. We will experience the cultural significance of the village church and visit Machuca’s only street, where the roofs of houses are made from cactus and possibly have the opportunity to taste barbecued llama, as prepared by the villagers.
Puritama Hot Springs
Duration: 3 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
This journey has established itself as a unique experience in an environment where water is an unexpected finding! Hidden at the bottom of a steep sided gorge and surrounded by vegetation is the River Puritama. The River Puritama has eight natural pools filled with water that has an average temperature of 33 ºC, at an altitude of 3500 m . Following a lovely swim, we will return to the hotel by vehicle.
Moon Valley
Duration: 3 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
This journey allows participants to appreciate the surreal beauty of the landscape from many viewpoints in the Salt Mountain Range, such as the scenery of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes. This trip includes short walks in areas with rocky outcrops, that have been formed by the wind, rain and the temperature changes of the desert. A must for photo buffs!
Atacama Salt Flat (Chaxa Lagoon & Flamingo Reserve)
Duration: 4 hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
The journey starts with a brief visit to Toconao village where the square and the historic church are the town’s main attractions. Also visit a local family who live off the sales of their handcrafts. Continue on to the National Flamingo Reserve in the Atacama salt flat. There are three types of flamingos to be found here that live off the microscopic lagoon life. You will also get the opportunity to view the sunset over the Andes Mountain Range, which is truly spectacular.
Kari Gorge
Duration: 2 to 3 hours walk 40 mins by vehicle Level of Difficulty: Easy
An amazing morning or afternoon hike through incredible scenery. We depart the hotel by vehicle towards the Mirador de Kari, located 2,550 metres above sea level. Here, you will appreciate a strange phenomenon where water, wind and temperature extremes have joined forces to produce this unique gorge in the Salt Mountain Range. We walk between dried-up clay riverbeds, calcium carbonate and lime rock formations and finish the walk in a labyrinth like area. Return to the hotel by van.
Devil’s Canyon & Vilama
Duration: 2,5 to 3,5 hours Level of Difficulty: Medium
A morning or afternoon excursion. Depart the hotel by vehicle and head to Devil’s Canyon to start the walk. The altitude here is approx 2,450m. We walk on flattish ground for about an hour, on the dry river bed through formations of lime which are part of the Salt Mountain Range. We continue along an ancient caravan route, passing by petroglyphs which show the former commercial activity in the area and finish at the old settlement known as Vilama. Return to the hotel by vehicle.
Ruta Purilaktis
Duration: 4 hrs walk 2 hrs by vehicle Level of Difficulty: Easy
Depart the hotel by vehicle along the road heading to Calama. We continue through the Domeyko Mountain Range to the starting point of our hike (3,000mts approx). The start of this hike will wind along a small gully and then open up to large rock formations marked by petroglyphs. Following dry river beds flanked by mountains we admire spectacular views from various viewpoints. After a gentle climb-descent, we will finish at the Matancilla Valley, also known as Rainbow Valley. We will have lunch here before returning to the hotel by vehicle.
Bike Ride Through The Ayllus
Duration: 1,5 to 2,5 Hours Level of Difficulty: Easy
Depart the hotel in the morning or early afternoon. The nearby oases villages are typical of the local culture and in many ways their inhabitants still follow the same way of life as their distant ancestors. View the local agriculture and the unique irrigation system. This is a great way to be introduced to the village and the climate of San Pedro.
Volcano Climbing – Toco
Duration: 5 to 7 Hours Level of Difficulty: Medium
The journey starts from the hotel, travelling in a vehicle for 1 hour 30 minutes to the starting point of the walk at a height of 4.800 m approx (16.500 feet) The peak of the volcano is at 5.650 m. / 18.645 feet and from the top there are great views of the Bolivian Altiplano and the Atacama Salt Flat to the west. After time for a break and a rest, the descent is taken slowly and safely down the same route until the vehicle is reached. Return to the hotel by vehicle. If time and the weather permits we can arrange more challenging volcano walks once Toco has been successfully conquered!
Atacama Horse Ride
We can arrange a selection of rides with Atacameñan horses. Our saddles are Chilean (Western) style. The horses are mounted at the hotel and we travel with our guide to discover the desert scenery. Depending on experience and wishes of the participants, the rides can take between 2 and 5 hours. Chaps and hard hats are supplied in the hotel.
Photo at top of page by Jared Verdi on Unsplash.
Tour Cost
